Virtual therapy could be a good option for individuals who may not have access to a physical therapist or do not feel comfortable going to one. It requires a computer, smart phone or tablet and a reliable Internet connection.
But it is important to be aware of the risks and understand how telemental health works. Check out South Asian Therapist Ontario for more information.
Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT)
VRET is a relatively new form of exposure therapy that has shown promise for treating anxiety and pain. For example, a 2022 study in JMIR Serious Games found that VR was an effective treatment for PTSD, and one study of burn victims using VR showed that it helped reduce physical pain by more than 50%.
Another benefit of VRET is that it offers therapists the ability to create and control virtual environments that are safe for their patients. It’s not always possible to recreate a real-life experience in a therapist’s office, such as military combat or a car accident, so VRET can be a great tool for those situations.
VRET is also a more cost-effective treatment than reliving a trauma or phobia in real life. And it’s becoming more affordable as VR equipment and apps become more popular. Dunning says it’s important for people to find a therapist who is trained in virtual reality and who has good experience working with clients. She warns that simulations that are too realistic could be retraumatizing for some people, and a therapist may need to help them cope with these feelings.
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET)
VRET uses virtual reality technology to allow patients to confront fears and anxieties in a controlled and safe environment. Various studies have found that this type of therapy can be just as effective as standard in vivo exposure treatments for anxiety disorders like phobias, chronic pain and PTSD.
For example, a person with PTSD may experience a fear reaction to certain triggers such as the sound and sight of fireworks or military combat. With VRET, they can slowly expose themselves to these triggers in a safe setting and eventually overcome their phobia.
In one study, self-guided VRET helped decrease PSA during treatment and at follow up appointments. However, more research is needed to assess long-term effectiveness. Other limitations include a lack of trained therapists to use the technology and the cost of equipment and apps. It is also not a good fit for people with motion sickness or vertigo. Additionally, some people may find VR distracting and unsettling.
Avatar Therapy
This therapy involves a patient creating an avatar of the entity, human or non-human, that they believe is persecuting them. The avatar is a computer program that the patient chooses a face and voice for, then synchronises with their mouth to enable the therapist to talk through it. Over six 30 minute sessions the avatar gradually becomes less threatening and more considerate of the person and eventually comes under their control.
The avatar’s characterization, based on detailed understanding of the participant’s key beliefs about the voices, is crucial for its success. This is a challenge for the therapist but also potentially rewarding as it helps to build a powerful therapeutic alliance.
Participants in the study reported feelings of anxiety at first but this soon decreased and was replaced by a sense of power and liberation as they conversed with the avatar. The avatar’s repeated assertions of the individual’s good qualities may help with self-esteem issues and is consistent with other approaches emphasising the importance of identity and self-compassion in working with distressing voices (Mayhew and Gilbert 2008). Avatar therapy was found to reduce the frequency and severity of auditory hallucinations 12 weeks after treatment.
Online Sites and Apps
Depending on the platform you choose, your sessions may take place over phone, video, or text. Make sure the platform you’re considering supports your preferred format and offers convenient appointment times that fit with your lifestyle.
Look for a company that allows you to select or be matched with therapists based on their experience and training, as well as their specialties. Also, make sure they offer a streamlined registration process that puts control in your hands, including options to change therapists if you’re not comfortable with one.
Most online therapy services offer a free trial so you can determine whether it works for you. Check whether they accept your insurance and if they provide a receipt you can submit to your provider for potential reimbursement. You’ll also want to see if the company offers a money-back guarantee, and how long it extends for. Also, be sure to check if they have a 24/7 messaging feature so you can contact your therapist in between sessions.